The Magic Touch of Tadd Dameron

by Scott YanowTadd Dameron's final session as a leader (he died in 1965) is a definitive set that sums up much of his career. Some of Dameron's best-known originals are here (including "On a Misty Night," "Fontainebleau," "If You Could See Me Now," and "Our Delight"), and this CD reissue has three previously unreleased alternate takes. For once, Dameron had a large group of all-stars at his exposure (up to 14 pieces) and could concentrate on providing the arrangements, while Bill Evans took care of the piano playing. Among the featured sidemen are tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin; trumpeters Charlie Shavers, Joe Wilder, and Clark Terry; trombonist Jimmy Cleveland; Julius Watkins on French horn; and drummer Philly Joe Jones. Barbara Winfield takes two fine vocals. Highly recommended to all bop collectors.